MANILA: Prosecutors have recommended filing criminal charges against a Philippine police staff sergeant whose service-issued pistol was taken by her 14-year-old nephew and used in a deadly school shooting that killed three and wounded about 20 others, local media reported on Tuesday (Aug 25).
Staff Sergeant Arla Ray Pacencia (pic) has been charged over the June 22 attack at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, in the central Philippines, according to local media outlet Manila Bulletin.
The teenage gunman took the 9mm pistol from his aunt's home. Investigators recovered at least 40 spent shells, indicating he fired most of the rounds, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
"The DOJ trusts that the criminal process will proceed in accordance with due process," DOJ spokesman Polo Martinez said. The sergeant also faces possible dismissal from the police service. - Xinhua
